When the weather is still jumping around from hot to cold, it may be hard to imagine preparing a fall and winter wardrobe for your children. However, it is actually the perfect time to do so. 

In spring, we covered “The Best Small Business Children’s Clothing Shops Around Portland.” In all honesty, we don’t have a lot to add to this list. However, these are still great resources for children’s clothing. In addition, be sure to explore locally grown places like Columbia and Nike. And we are dealing with crazy inflation, so go to the employee stores or factory stores to save money. 

To save money, look at local resale shops, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor to get cheaper kids’ gear. You can find some great deals out there. 

Buying kids’ clothes second-hand offers several benefits for your wallet and the environment. 

Here are some of the advantages of choosing second-hand clothing for children:

Cost Savings – One of the most significant benefits is cost savings. Children grow quickly, and they often outgrow their clothes before they wear them out. Buying second-hand allows you to find gently used or even brand-new items at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Quality for Less – You can often find high-quality, well-made clothing brands at a lower price when shopping second-hand. This means your child can still wear fashionable and durable clothing without the high price tag.

Sustainability – Second-hand shopping is eco-friendly. By reusing clothing, you help reduce the demand for new manufacturing, which can be resource-intensive and contribute to pollution. It’s a sustainable choice that reduces your carbon footprint.

Variety – Second-hand stores and online marketplaces offer a wide variety of styles and brands, making it easier to find unique and interesting clothing for your child. You can discover vintage pieces or items that may not be available in regular retail stores.

Less Waste – Buying second-hand clothing contributes to reducing textile waste. Fast fashion has led to a massive amount of clothing ending up in landfills, but second-hand shopping helps extend the lifespan of clothing items.

Learning Opportunity – Involving your child in second-hand shopping can be an educational experience. You can teach them about sustainability, budgeting, and the value of recycling and reusing.

Budget Flexibility -Buying second-hand allows you to stretch your clothing budget further. You can afford to buy more items or allocate funds for other essential needs.

Less Chemical Exposure – Second-hand clothing has usually been washed and worn multiple times, which means it has undergone more washing cycles and may have fewer chemicals and dyes left in the fabric compared to brand-new clothing.

Not all of us are comfortable or familiar with second-hand shopping, so it is good to explore why it may be a great option for you and your family.

Okay, now let’s get to the real story … shopping for fall and winter!

When preparing for the fall and winter seasons for kids, it’s essential to ensure they have appropriate clothing to keep them warm, comfortable, and safe in colder (and wetter) weather conditions. 

Here’s a list of clothing items kids typically need for fall and winter:

Warm Coats

Invest in a good-quality, insulated winter coat. Look for options that are waterproof or water-resistant to protect against rain and snow.

Layering Tops

Long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and turtlenecks are great for layering. They can be worn under jackets or vests to trap heat.

Winter Jackets

Consider a heavier winter jacket or a parka with a hood for added protection. This is a great Columbia purchase. 

Pants

Jeans, corduroy pants, sweats, and fleece-lined leggings are suitable for fall and winter. Make sure they are comfortable and allow for movement.

Thermal Underwear

Thermal tops and bottoms provide an extra layer of insulation against the cold. Costco has some super soft ones that are always on sale. 

Hats and Beanies

A warm hat or beanie is essential to keep the head and ears warm and dry. 

Scarves and Neck Warmers

These help keep the neck warm and can be pulled up to cover the lower part of the face in extremely cold weather.

Gloves or Mittens

Insulated gloves or mittens protect little hands from the cold. Mittens are often warmer than gloves because fingers share heat.

Socks

Thick, warm socks made of materials like wool or thermal blends are ideal for cold weather.

Boots

Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction provide warmth and help keep feet dry in snow and rain.

Snowsuits or Snow Pants

We don’t get much snow, BUT we have Mt. Hood, and snow pants are always a good idea. 

Fleece Jackets or Vests

These can be worn indoors or as an additional layer under a coat when it’s exceptionally cold. We love a good layer. 

Rain Gear

Waterproof or water-resistant raincoats and rain boots are essential for wet fall and winter days. Seriously, this should be the first thing on the list because we know in the PNW, we have a very wet fall and winter. 

Accessories

For added warmth, consider accessories like ear muffs, earmuffs, and hand warmers.

Remember to choose clothing made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials to help keep kids dry and comfortable. Additionally, sizing is crucial, as clothing that is too tight may restrict movement and not provide adequate insulation. 

Layering is key, allowing children to adjust their clothing based on the temperature and activity level. Always check the weather forecast and adapt your child’s clothing accordingly to ensure they are adequately dressed for the conditions. We all have seen the schools lost and found…the kids are cold in the morning and, by noon, are peeling off their sweaters and sweatshirts and leaving all over the place. 

Anything we missed on the list? What are your winter go-to essentials?